Reluctant Burglar, To Catch a Thief Series #1

After her father's murder, Desiree Jacobs stumbles upon an ugly truth---her father was an art thief. Should she turn over the stolen paintings to the feds or surrender the artwork to the bad guys? A death threat warns her not to cooperate with the law. Will she trust God's leading---even if it isn't safe? 350 pages, softcover from Multnomah.

The Art of Art Thievery When Hiram Jacobs is murdered, the responsibility for his internationally renowned security company falls upon his daughter, Desiree. But a container full of stolen paintings screams the ugly truth - that her father was a thief. Option A: Turn the goods over to the law, disgrace her father's name, destroy their business, put people out of jobs, and embarrass international museums with the fact that they have been displaying clever forgeries. Option B: Surrender the art to the bad guys. But then she becomes an unwilling accomplice to the thieves, and her father's murderer would walk free. Worse, a death threat warns her not to cooperate with federal agents. Can she trust God to guide her down the right path when no option seems right...let alone safe?

In Reluctant Burglar, Jill Elizabeth Nelson blends suspense, mystery, and romance to give readers a glimpse into the widespread, though often unacknowledged, world of art theft. Desiree Jacobs is a professional, independent woman. She works for her father’s security company, dealing directly with priceless works of art. The only problem is she soon encounters Tony Lucano, a composed and calculating FBI agent investigating an art theft ring operating in Boston. Tony is certain that Hiram Jacobs, Desiree’s father, is involved and that she probably is, too. When Hiram is murdered, the FBI is given a new lead in what had appeared to be a standstill case. Convinced of her father’s innocence, “Desi” vows to uphold his memory with honor. Then she discovers a clue that leads her to a container holding enough evidence to give Tony’s claim validity. Now Desi must figure out her father’s role in the theft ring and why he even began stealing art in the first place. When the criminals who killed Hiram come after her, Desi must make the hard choice of whether or not to trust Tony Lucano.

The story is told from both Desiree and Tony’s points of view. While the circumstances they face are extraordinary, their faith is tested in ways that readers can relate to. Tony attempts to witness to his stone-hearted, giant of a partner, Steve Crane. Though his masculine nature fought against it, Tony followed divine guidance and shared a broken part of his heart that no one else had known about, which proved beneficial for both men.

Nelson’s diverse range of characters adds substance and even humor to her overall story. Her characters and their relationships are the novel’s greatest strengths. Seeing the relationship between Tony and Desi unfold is both painful and entertaining. Though each feels attracted to the other, uncertainty causes them to try to unnerve each other with audacious schemes.

Reluctant Burglar is Nelson’s first novel. She has written professionally for many years as a journalist, columnist, essayist, poet, storyteller, and book reviewer. Her style is fast paced and flavored with humor, action, and emotion. Her description is carefully worked into each scene so that readers not only get a sense of background, but they also see the characters’ emotions reflected in their appearance and actions. Reluctant Burglar has depth and spirit; it would be a great book for those who love mystery, action, or romance. – Bridgette L. Oakes, Christian Book Previews.com

Average Rating:

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Reviewed by Jill Williamson (Oregon), December 26, 2008

Desiree Jacobs is an art buff. She works for her father at his internationally renowned security company that specializes in museum management. Yet while her father is overseas, he’s murdered. As Desiree tries to pick up the pieces and learn what happened, she discovers what Special Agent Tony Lucano has known for a long time—her father was an art thief. Then Desiree is left with a container of priceless stolen paintings, paintings that museums don’t even know are missing. Desiree is suddenly launched into a cat and mouse game with unknown art thieves, hidden codes, kidnapping, and more. She must discover why her honest father would turn to thievery and whether Tony, the same man who believed her father a felon and Desiree a possible accomplice, can be trusted. She must depend on her faith, integrity, and true friends to get her through. To think this is Nelson’s first book! The characters are great, jump-off-the-page realistic. It’s gripping novel, with just the right dash of romance and humor. The writing is superb; Ms. Nelson’s words flow, grab you, and pull you in. I can’t wait for the next book!

Reviewed by Christine (Claxton, GA), August 22, 2008

I read this book in just one evening. I just couldn't put it down. The storyline and the characters are so well written it is like you are stepping into their world. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a great mystery with a little romance mixed in.

Reviewed by Nora (Mall of GA), April 06, 2008

Everything that Desiree Jacobs father Hiram taught her about honor, integrity, faith, and God is tested after she learns he is murdered. The foundation of her world is severely shaken. Who could she turn to for answers!! Desiree discovers hope in unexpected ways! How could she try to find out who killed her father,when the FBI is keeping close tabs on her every move. They still had her as a suspect in her father's murder. Unthinkable! She needed to help them find the killer. But how? Desiree & her father owned a rein securities company and staged robberies to see how well the current security system was doing or could hold up under pressure. This reminded me of a movie that I really liked called "THE CROWN AFFAIR". In the movie it showed this very thing going on. I could imagine Desiree playing the lead and going thru elaborate measures to steal these paintings without anyone seeing what she did because there was a big enough distraction going on somewhere else. Then she would go thru just as much trouble to put the picture back again without anyone knowing. It was fascinating and suspenseful. Things get messy and complicated when there is an attempt on Desiree's life. Why would someone try to kill her? She thought she was safe. Maybe she needed to ask for help after all? Things were getting beyond her control. Who could she turn to? Could she even think about asking God for help? It's been a while. Why not, she has tried everything else? This was one fast passed interesting story. You will really get to like Desiree and root for her throughout the book. It has a satisfying ending. There are two other books in this series. The Reluctant Runaway and Reluctant Smuggler. The story of Desiree continues in these other exciting adventures. Nora St.Laurent Book Club Servant Leader www.psalm516.blogspot.com

Reviewed by Delia Latham (Bakersfield CA), February 21, 2008

Desiree Jacobs’ beloved father has been murdered, but the beautiful museum security expert has little time to wallow in her sorrow. Handsome FBI agent Tony Lucano is set on proving her deceased father an art thief. Desiree is every bit as determined to prove his innocence. But the further she delves into her father’s affairs, the more it looks like the agent could be right – especially when her father’s secret codes lead her to a warehouse container full of stolen paintings. Determined to avoid further sullying of her father’s name, Desiree sets out to secretly return the priceless pieces of art. Why would a man of integrity like Hiram Jacobs be involved in an art theft ring? Desiree means to find out, but will her probing open a Pandora’s Box of secrets she’d rather not know? Danger lurks around every corner, and just when she thinks things can get no worse, suspicion falls on the person closest to her. Now she’s forced to turn to her nemesis–FBI guy Lucano–for assistance and protection. Reluctant Burglar is a masterpiece of intrigue and romance. This tightly written tale, spiced with the author’s special brand of humor, keeps the reader flipping those pages until the stunning finale comes hurtling in right out of left field. A genuine work of art …

Reviewed by Karen Peale (Westville, NJ), August 28, 2007

This is the first book in a very entertaining series. You will enjoy the read and I think the author is doing a wonderful job developing the characters and her writing. You can see improvement from the first book to the second and I look forward to the third. I gave it 4 stars, but in some ways it was a 5 star book. I love spunky women and HMOGS-Hot Men of God!

Reviewed by Susan Sleeman (The Christian Suspense Zone), March 22, 2007

If you love traditional romances spiced with an action plot that twists and turns, you’ll love Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson. The opening chapters are filled with tumultuous changes in the life of Desiree Jacobs. As partner with her father in HJ Securities, a firm that specializes in providing top notch security for art galleries, museums, private clients, etc., Desiree is tasked with finding the weak link in their security systems so that HJ Securities can offer better protection. Desiree takes the unorthodox route of stealing a prized piece of art then returning it to the owner to demonstrate the weak link. Couple this adventurous job with a father who’s accused of art theft, murdered in his bed, and an attempt to do the same to Desiree, interest and you have a suspense tale that keeps you reading. Tack on a desirable FBI agent Tony Lucano, who no matter how much he denies it, is drawn to Desiree and you have romance that equals the suspense. The plot drives this novel from start to finish with surprises all along the way. Just when you think nothing else will surprise you, Nelson tosses in another one to keep you reading. If you’re not a plot kind of person but are in this book for the romance only, the developing relationship between Desiree and agent Tony Lucano is strong enough to fulfill that need as well. As a bonus, you’ll also receive an interesting insight into the world of art iniquities.

Reviewed by Deborah (Portsmouth, VA), March 04, 2007

I think that Desiree had an awesome job. I really liked Desiree's ability to disguise herself enough to fool people for her job. I enjoyed the scene where she almost got caught even though the room she was in was almost impossible to get out of. I know that the guy on the cover is supposed to be Tony but for some reason I kept picturing Tony Almeida from 24. He just suited better to me what Tony would look like. Desiree's and Tony's relationship starts off annoying at first because no matter what she does he doesn't trust her. Eventually he realizes her true character, it was just frustrating that he had already prejudged her. I kept thinking about the Da Vinci Code while reading the book because of the talk about paintings and art museums. And I also recalled an episode of Magnum PI where there is a father/daughter art thief duo just like in this book. While I enjoyed the book, I felt that some parts dragged a little. To me the middle part of the story didn't grab my attention the way the first part or the end did. I still enjoyed reading this book though. There were twists that I didn't see coming and lots of suspense. I also have a new respect for art after learning so much about it in this book. I'll be looking forward to the next one in the series.

Reviewed by Michelle (Arizona), December 30, 2006

In several ways I'm thoroughly impressed with this novel. The characters seemed real and likeable and the plot was complex. In fact, if I didn't know that the author was a woman, I'd assume a man had written this story at first because it was so graphic and had some very mafia-esque scenes that were not at all feminine. Like the portion that went into his former relationship and betrayal. That was great!!! I also especially liked the fact that the hero and heroine were both Christians. :) There were some tense moments in this story and the romance was very well done. I held my breath more than once. I love it when you aren't sure who the double-crossing mole is and you start to suspect everyone. I also really enjoyed the times when Desi had to break in and swap paintings during her theft job. That was great stuff. The author also had some good one-liners. For example; She ought to have her brain removed and forensically examined for discombobulated synapses. And one way she described Tony's extreme anger... If steam could escape out his pores, he'd be a toxic cloud. :) Is that great stuff, or what? On the other end, I found the terrorist's dialogue a bit cheesy-sounding. Or maybe the fact that once Desi stopped thieving and the FBI took over and she became the victim, it didn't work as well for me. I thought the ending was almost too detailed. The humor also seemed misplaced and more feminine. So I went from fear and anxiety at the beginning of the story, to not feeling like I'm really there toward the end. Like I was in a sit-com show. Very strange. I think the dialogue is what killed it. Up until that point I was there. Overall, I'd say I really enjoyed the story and would probably enjoy the next one as well. There was just that weakness toward the end.

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